How To Care For Your Quartz Worktops | Shaw Stone

There are certain elements within a home that seem to be able to withstand the test of time. In terms of kitchens, the presence of a bespoke quartz worktop offers an unparalleled sense of beauty and decades of reliable longevity. Not only is this stone available in a number of striking colours and grains, but no two surfaces are ever alike. Homeowners can therefore enjoy a level of aesthetic elegance that might not always be possible to other materials such as laminates or composite worktops. However, we also need to keep in mind that this hard-wearing stone will require some targeted maintenance techniques if you hope to maintain its aesthetic beauty and unrivalled functionality over the years. Let us quickly examine how to care for quartz worktops so that future issues can be avoided.

Maintaining the Sheen of Quartz

One of the most attractive qualities of a quartz workstation involves the natural lustre of the stone. While this is a very durable surface, the fact of the matter is that it can still be scratched. This is why it is prudent to avoid using cleaners which contain harsh abrasives and scouring pads when performing a regular cleaning. These can both cause minute scratches; leading to further damage due to the fact that water and other debris can accumulate within this scratches. Use a soft cloth and a cleaning agent that is specifically designed for quartz care and maintenance. Dry microfibre cloths are available at most retail outlets and hardware stores. Buff in small, circular motions in order to ensure that all debris is effectively removed.

Taking the Proactive Approach

Always be sure to wipe up any crumbs, dirt or debris as soon as they are noticed. They might otherwise become trapped between different sections of the worktop. The same holds true for accidental spills that might occur when cooking or preparing food. While quartz is not nearly as porous as other stones such as marble, any liquids left to stand can cause the surface to stain over time. If you happen to notice any stains, always employ a cleaner that has been specifically formulated for quartz worktops. Keep in mind that some dyes and oils contained within certain foods can permanently affect the appearance of your workstation. This brings us to the next professional recommendation.

Cleaners to Avoid

Never use any cleaning solution that is caustic or acidic. These can irreparably damage your quartz surface. Some examples which should be avoided at all costs include:

  1. Solutions containing hydrochloric acid.
  2. Caustic soda
  3. Bleach or bleach derivatives
  4. Acetone or similar paint strippers

This is why it is important to always read the back of any cleaning product before applying it to the surface. When in doubt, speak with a professional in order to determine a safe alternative.

Activities Within the Kitchen to Avoid

Understanding quartz care also involves appreciating what practices can cause damage. One of the mistakes which can be made is assuming that this stone is a virtually indestructible material. While it is indeed able to stand up to a significant amount of wear and tear, it is by no means immortal. Never cut food directly on the surface, as this can compromise the finish. It is better to employ a cutting board. There are even some stone cutting boards which can work in visual synergy with the quartz itself. Also, do not place hot pots or pans directly on your quartz workstation. Heat can likewise damage this stone and lead to discolourations over time. Keep any hot elements on the stove or employ the use of a heat-absorbing pad that can be placed atop the quartz. On a final note, do not place extremely heavy objects on a quartz worktop. These can lead to cracks and costly repairs in extreme situations.

A Bit of TLC Can Go a Long Way

Knowing how to care for quartz worktops is critical if you hope to fully enjoy all the beauty that these surfaces have to offer. All of the recommendations will come in handy and if you work within a particularly busy kitchen, it could be a good idea to print out this guide so that others can appreciate the steps to take.

If you are curious to learn more about quartz kitchen worktops or other modern alternatives, please contact a representative from Shaw Stone. Why not transform your kitchen into a functional work of art with a custom-made workstation?